Carlsbad is home to one of the top performing rural medical centers in the state.

The New Mexico Department of Health and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) recognized the Carlsbad Medical Center (CMC) as a “top performer” in several areas of medical treatment for the second year in a row, read a Tuesday news release.

The center scored higher than other acute care hospitals in the nation, the release read, in providing treatment for heart attacks, heart failure, pneumonia, and patient safety.

Dr. Delmar Kampe, a CMC physician, was also recognized with an award of appreciation.

“We understand what matters most to patients at Carlsbad Medical Center is the quality and safety of the care they receive,” said Cathy Hibbs, CEO of CMC. “CMC is proud to be named a top performing rural hospital for the second year in a row, as it recognizes our dedication to providing quality healthcare for the people in our community and southeast New Mexico.”

About 62 million people, one in five Americans, live in rural areas and “frontier communities” throughout U.S., read the release.

Many residents of remote areas struggle to find adequate medical care, often being forced to travel long distances for routine procedures.

“These small towns, farming communities and frontier areas are wonderful places to live and work; they are places where neighbors know each and work together,” said NOSORH Director Teryl Eisinger. “The hospitals and providers serving these rural communities not only provide quality patient care, but they also help keep good jobs in rural America.”

The rankings were calculated using the Hospital Strength Index and industry-wide assessment of rural hospital performance.

The data-based program was developed by iVantage Health Analytics in conjunction with NOSORH, and is aimed at assessing hospital performance in multiple areas of care.

“This recognition is a testament to the way Carlsbad Medical Center’s medical staff and employees work together to care for patients and the community,” said Leonel Perez-Limonte, CMC Chief of Staff. “We are proud of the level of care we are able to provide.”